All of this sentiment is great and lot's of good intentions...
But I see newcomers on the forum all the time.
frequently young.
Asking about/wondering about keeping a parrot for themselves.
And I watch them get shot down in flames (in the politest way I'm sure).
I think there are lot's of young people out there capable of caring for a parrot. Judging something like that based on a texted introduction is difficult and I think a lot of those young first-time poster's never come back.
Totally agree with the above and will add my own experience and the first impression I have as a new member. (I am sure glad I do not need to ask for any help with my large birds!)
Obviously I am new and I may very possibly have missed so many of the good, informative or helpful posts/threads so please excuse me if I come across poorly as I honestly do not mean to.
I actually stopped sifting through the macaw posts (the only reason I am here really is to check out macaw content that is new to me) and replies as I honestly found most of the responses so disheartening and unsupportive, dismissive even.
I get the intent from members is likely good, however, newer members coming here for help with new Macs seem to be faced with being almost group shamed or shut down, seems to be the main thing I read as responses to those people asking for help with a newly acquired or a first macaw, from the few threads I opened most seemed to be told to consider rehoming asap, told they are obviously not ready for a large bird or simply given advice that is not relevant or even inline with the original question, seems to be the trendy thinking/behavior (I guessed that maybe the members responding had no clue how to accurately advise and would have just been best to actually say that) - I stopped reading the macaw forum as I found it saddening and quite unpleasant/ unwelcoming even.
It is honestly not helpful to carry on with such an attitude.... the bird is already there with the person and that uneducated inexperienced person reached out for help, so, help!
Macaws are birds, budgies are birds- there is no difference between the help and support the owners should be getting.
Its not just about the words typed- attitude can make all the difference, so can multiple members saying the same discouraging thing and totally ignoring or not addressing the requested information or help but throwing out an uneducated opinion regarding the situation. Answering with an opinion as opposed to support or information is just rude and unkind. Sorry to be so blunt but things need to change if you all really want to help birds have better living conditions. I will give as much of my time and patience to any one who steps up and reaches out asking for bird information or help- it makes much more of an impact and change than throwing out my first thought/opinion which often is simply OMG or what the heck.
I happen to know many macaw and 2 owners who never owned another bird first, who never even knew anything about interacting and caring for birds till they got lumped with a macaw or cocky.... if these sorts of people come here asking for assistance or information, then in all honesty, they are the perfect person to have and interact with a large bird! - they're responsible and trying to research and reach out for help so they can succeed and do the best job they can do as a new bird owner.
I have seen so many "bird" people who think they know it all badly annoy or nearly loose a body part around my mac and my rescue 2 but I have never once seen a frightened or slightly intimidated, new to birds person get into the same stupid situations, WHY? Because they are cautious and open to learning and willing to listen to tips and advice. We all need to be open to new information, learning and teaching situations and not close people out/shut them down.
Working your way up to handling or interacting with the larger birds is honestly not really a thing- there is no smaller bird who can teach the things you need to know... the habits and behaviours you need to be comfortable and make the large bird comfortable simply come with supportive correct information on handling the bird you have.
Sorry if I have stepped on any toes or upset anyone, that is definitely not my intention- I just had to get that off my mind as I was quite bothered after feeling let down from the advices I saw on the macaw threads.
